Keshet, Northern Pictures launch Australian joint venture

Keshet International has partnered with Australia's Northern Pictures to establish Keshet Australia, which will produce local versions of the Israeli company's programs for the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Israeli producer-distributor Keshet International is teaming up former Fox Networks Group president David Haslingden to launch a local production outfit, Keshet Australia.

The company will be jointly owned by Keshet International and Haslingden’s indie Northern Pictures, and will bring the Israeli producer’s slate of 50 scripted and unscripted TV properties to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Last year, Haslingden stepped down as president and COO of the Fox Networks Group to establish a super-indie, purchasing Northern Pictures, NHNZ and Singapore-based Beach House Pictures, as first revealed by realscreen in February. While the super-indie was unnamed at launch, it has now been given the name RACAT.

Keshet Australia will be jointly overseen by Haslingden and Keshet International’s MD Alon Shtruzman. Northern Pictures will own the rights to the programs, which will be produced under the Keshet Australia banner.

“Keshet’s growth over the last five years has been unrivaled and we are confident Keshet Australia will replicate that success here,” Haslingden said in a statement. “Keshet is one of the best in the game of scripted and unscripted television, and Northern Pictures has a strong reputation in Australia with deep industry contacts, plus a New Zealand link through sister company NHNZ – it’s an ideal match.”

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About The Author

Daniele Alcinii is a news reporter at realscreen, the leading international publisher of non-fiction film and television industry news and content. He joins the rs team with journalism experience following a stint out west with Sun Media in Edmonton's Capital Region, and communications work in Melbourne, Australia and Toronto. You can follow him on Twitter at @danielealcinii.